eThekwini School Recycling Project Celebrates Environmental Stewardship and Circular Economy Awareness
The eThekwini Municipality’s School Recycling Competition has achieved significant success in promoting environmental sustainability, waste diversion, and recycling awareness among learners across the municipality. Initiated under the “Back to School Keep My School Clean” pillar of the Municipality’s Education and Waste Minimisation Programme, the competition encouraged schools to collect recyclable materials including paper, plastics, and cans.
A total of 69 schools participated in the programme, with 54 schools submitting recycling statistics, collectively diverting approximately 44 tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill sites. This achievement contributes directly to the objectives of the National Waste Management Strategy and supports the municipality’s commitment towards reducing waste disposal and advancing a circular economy.
The initiative has delivered numerous benefits, including cleaner school environments, increased recycling awareness, revenue generation opportunities for schools, and strengthened partnerships between schools, communities, recycling companies, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), and eThekwini municipality.
MetPac-SA was proud to support the programme as one of the participating Producer Responsibility Organisations. Dr Ravi Nadar and Mr Rishant Harichunder represented MetPac-SA at the event. Dr Nadar provided learners with an overview of MetPac-SA and highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, responsible metal packaging management, and the transition towards a circular economy. He also facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session on recycling and environmental stewardship, encouraging active learner participation. Learners who successfully answered questions were rewarded with MetPac-SA-branded pens, creating enthusiasm and reinforcing key sustainability messages.
MetPac-SA further demonstrated its commitment to environmental education by sponsoring the event catering and providing prize sponsorships for the Metal Packaging collection category. The organisation awarded R15 000 for first prize, R10 000 for second prize, and R5 000 for third prize, recognising and rewarding schools that excelled in collecting and diverting metal packaging waste from landfill.
The Municipality acknowledged the valuable contributions of Producer Responsibility Organisations, including MetPac-SA, Fibre Circle, and Polyco, whose combined sponsorships exceeded R100 000 in prizes and support for the competition.
The success of the School Recycling Competition demonstrates the impact of collaborative partnerships in driving sustainable waste management practices. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of school recycling programmes and contribute towards achieving the vision of zero waste to landfill.
